Sector

Region of Initiative

SDG contribution

The shortage of sanitation facilities in India is a major concern. Nearly 600 million people, half of the country's population lack access to adequate sanitation, which increases the risk of water contamination and diseases. According to the World Bank, diarrhea kills approximately 800,000 children under age five every year and leaves millions more malnourished and stunted. The absence of sanitation is especially acute in rural and peri-urban areas with its higher than average population density and lack of access to water and sewage infrastructure.

Banka BioLoo, an Indian social enterprise that provides solutions for human waste treatment, has joined the Business Call to Action with a commitment to expand distribution of environmentally-friendly bio-toilets to low-income people across India.

Banka BioLoo's inclusive business model calls for the installation of 300,000 bioloos; the company's innovative sanitation system across the country by 2020. Bioloos will also be installed in 3,000 schools reaching an additional 120,000 girls. The company estimates that 94,000 local temporary jobs will be created as a result of this expansion.